Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach said earlier utilities need certainty and so do people. Residents and businesses in Ballymahon and Ardagh in Longford have had enough. Last year, Ardagh's water supply failed 13 times and there were five more failures this year, excluding storm-related outages. It is a long-standing problem and is unacceptable. It is upending the daily lives of ordinary people, families, farmers and businesses.

Despite countless complaints and reports to Uisce Éireann, answers are scarce and solutions are even scarcer. The communities feel ignored, neglected and that their water needs are an afterthought. Investment in rural water infrastructure is vital. Towns and villages like these cannot continue without a basic, safe and reliable water supply. They are not looking for miracles; they are looking for a clear plan and timeframe for when their water service will be restored to something reliable. Is the Taoiseach in a position to give those towns and villages that commitment today?

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